Nelson Elementary School
Graham, WA 98338
Phone: (253) 800-6400
District: Bethel School District
GreatSchools Rating
public • Grades PK,KG,1,2,3,4,5 • 497 students
Nelson Elementary School, a public school located in Graham, WA, serves grades PK-5 in the Bethel School District.It has received a GreatSchools Rating of 8 out of 10, based on a variety of school quality measures.
Nelson Elementary School is a public school located in Graham, WA. 497 students attend Nelson Elementary School.
School Ratings
| Category | Rating | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Test Scores | 8/10 | The Test Score Rating examines how students at this school performed on standardized tests compared with other schools in the state. The Test Rating was created using 2025 Smarter Balanced Assessment data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and using 2025 Washington Comprehensive Assessment of Science data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. |
| Student Growth | 8/10 | The Student Progress Rating measures whether students at this school are making academic progress over time based on student growth data provided by the Department of Education. Specifically, this rating looks at how much progress individual students have made on state assessments during the past year or more, how this performance aligns with expected progress based on a student growth model established by the state Department of Education, and how this school's growth data compares to other schools in the state. The Growth Rating was created using 2025 Student growth data from Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction. |
Posted: September 10, 2023
Posted: September 10, 2023
Posted: September 10, 2023
Posted: September 10, 2023
Posted: September 10, 2023
Posted: September 10, 2023
Posted: September 10, 2023
Posted: September 10, 2023
Safety was one of my main concerns in light of recent years, not only is the school completely closed off, but the staff take to learning as many faces as they can and which students go to who for pickup/drop off so there are absolutely no incidents. There was a peaceful protest outside the high school/middle school next door and they kept all elementary students inside during pickup and walked the students to cars.
Teachers have been great, weve had kids in K-3 and met many more staff who are all lovely and genuinely care even at the end of the year.
Lunches have been healthy with great options.
All information is sent out in a timely manner with updates as needed, including any concerns.
There are portables on campus.
Posted: October 5, 2021
Posted: October 5, 2021
Posted: October 5, 2021
Posted: October 5, 2021
Posted: October 5, 2021
Posted: October 5, 2021
Posted: October 5, 2021
Posted: October 5, 2021
Amazing school with awesome teachers. The front desk lady could be a bit nicer towards parents AND students.
Posted: July 1, 2019
Posted: July 1, 2019
Posted: July 1, 2019
Posted: July 1, 2019
Posted: July 1, 2019
Posted: July 1, 2019
Posted: July 1, 2019
my child has attended Nelson for two years. I have had ups and downs. It really depends on the teacher. S.ed department is good. The teacher-student ratio is too high. The front desk could be nicer.
Posted: October 27, 2013
Two of my grand children attend Nelson. Great school above all others. Love the Teachers/Principal :-)
Posted: October 17, 2013
Nelson Elementary is by far the best elementary school my children have attended. From the office staff that great you upon arrival to the playground staff that keep our children safe the students are always first on their minds. As a parent volunteer it is nice to see the Principal traveling the hallways and visiting the classroom interacting with students rather than behind closed doors in his office. The teachers are by far the best we have seen through our military travels. We would recommend Nelson to any family looking to move to the area.
Posted: October 17, 2013
For the most part, this school is excellent. My son's behavior since switching to this school from his last one has improved exponentially. I am usually able to communicate very easily with his teachers if a problem arises. I definitely do NOT like, however, that my some only gets 18 minutes of recess total a day. How is any kid supposed to get energy out and be able to focus in only 18 minutes? I realize they want to get as much learning in as possible, but it's not going to happen with an overworked, underplayed brain and body. I'm sure they could spare some time somewhere for a 2nd recess of at least 10-15 minutes. The only other complaint I have is that the principal can oftentimes come across as quite rude. The rest of the people I have met are awesome, including the PTA and parent volunteers.
Posted: October 16, 2013
Nelson Elementary is a WORLD CLASS School. NO DOUBT ABOUT IT! The staff at Nelson are remarkable from the principal to the support staff. They are all very approachable and have our children's best interest in mind at all times. From day 1 at orientation to the last day of school each year, they live up to their words (and then some)! I am a PROUD NELSON PARENT to two amazing students! I couldn't wish for a better school for my kids to attend. I'm thankful for Mr. Boynton, Nelson Staff and Nelson PTA. YOU GUYS ROCK!!
Posted: October 16, 2013
I am so proud to be a part of the PTA board here. I've never seen not only the PTA activity but the parent involvement with us! Our PTA steps up to raise money and the parents step up along side us to help volunteer to get that mission accomplished! As for the principle, he is so active with his students, staff and school. I love to see him walking around, conversing with students and staff with a huge smile on his face. He is so very passionate about his school and you can feel that. It is a very warm feeling knowing that he cares about our kids so much. He is very good at keeping parents informed on everything going on at school, a huge plus in my book. I am proud to have my son be a part of this school and look forward to when my second gets to join the Nelson family next year for Kindergarten. I was raised in a private school and was determined to have my kids follow suit. When I had no choice but to put them in public, I was nervous. I loved the family atmosphere that my private school offered. I am thrilled to see that Nelson offers that too! I feel very blessed to be a part of this wonderful family!
Posted: August 6, 2013
I have been very pleased with this school. This past year was my son's first year attending Nelson. At our prior residence out of state, he attended two different schools. Every school he's attended has had the children eat with their classes to keep accountability of the students. This has also been our best experience with any of the schools. I love the fact that the students have the same teacher for two years. We've had a few problems with my son adjusting to a new school and home, the teacher informed quickly that he wasn't following the rules. I was able to work with the teacher and my son to resolve the problems. We also had problems with a couple of kids bullying my son on the bus and Mr. Boynton, the principal, was swift in taking care of the problem along with the bus driver. The PTA is absolutely amazing and does so much for the school and students. I have enjoyed volunteering with the PTA and in the classroom this past year. The PTA will not hound you for help but they do put the opportunities out there for volunteering.
Posted: March 3, 2013
Though the school claims they want parent involvement, this is simply not the case. I have not been welcome not volunteer this year at all, even after being told otherwise. My son also has adhd and anxiety and is regressing with his handwriting to the point that it is illegible even to him. I have been met with resistance in getting him any of the help he needs. No simple accommodations (such as moving his desk next to the teacher) are made in the classroom and he has been punished with no recess when I didn't sign and return a paper immediately the next day. My son is also given homework assignments which take 2-3 hours to complete each night with constant help - which is ridicules for a first grader! The classroom environment is actually making his medical conditions worse & he now hates school. I have also been ignored by both his teacher and other staff, and my questions and notes are never answered. The secretaries have even ignored me for up to 30min before they even acknowledge that I'm standing at the front desk. The kindergarten teachers were absolutely amazing, however I have begun to see what I've been hearing from other parents about the rest of the teachers and staff.
Posted: December 21, 2012
This is a wonderful school and I will be sad to pull my kids out next year when we move out of state. We are on our 4th year here and every teacher my kids have had has been terrific. Every one here from the principal to the teachers is very involved in everything that goes on. The PTA is also great and provides lot of extra things to keep the kids and families involved.
Posted: September 12, 2012
As a parent of one child with special needs and one without, I am very pleased with the individualized attention each one is receiving. I have been impressed with each teacher we have come in contact with and how they have made the curriculum reach all students without resorting to a scattered method. Any (rare) problems with the front office or administration of the school have been easily addressed. Every member of the staff has worked hard to keep this school the best available in the area. This year the PTA is working hard to involve more dads and I believe this will lead to a smoother lunch and recess time.
Posted: November 28, 2011
I was very hopeful that this was a great school when I first learned of it. The teacher my son has is absolutely awesome. She cares and works with him and us. The principle is great. He is understanding and I think is doing a great job. Not being from this state I definitely can tell that Washington has a low priority on education but this school is wonderful and I am very proud that my child is able to go here. I know he is learning here and is excited about learning. The only problem I have had is with the receptionists but it seemingly has been worked out. I don't know that you could get a better public school in the area... I can tell that the principle and teachers are very involved and care. My son comes home and tells me of the different fun things the principle puts on for the kids like puppet shows in spare time. The whole lunch thing the one parent commented about, not knocking it but there has to be order somewhere so things can keep under control so I completely understand the school on that because where there isn't structure there is chaos and if there was chaos parents would be having a fit and complaining about zero structure. Way to Go NELSON and its leaders.
Posted: September 26, 2011
Nelson Elementary is a great school. Teachers work together to see that all children are taught in their learning style. PTA and parent involvement rocks at Nelson. Kids having to eat lunch with their class and not their best buddies is a downside.
Posted: July 31, 2011
This school's leaders do not care about the children, only the staff. they treat all the children as if they have behaior problems. Dr Love in the most rediculous exuse for a leader.
Posted: February 24, 2011
The receptionist is not doing heir job complete , is almost like she is just sitting there. she can't even check with the district that the phone numbers are updated!! great teachers and everyone who works with the kids .
Reviews provided by GreatSchools™
Army, Enlisted
30-40 years old
Reviewed: February 16, 2013
Great newer school. The staff here is awesome. Everyone is friendly, helpful and they all love what they do. Located in a very safe town. We have never had any safety concerns. Right next to the Jr. High and High school which also seem to be good schools. My kids love this school.
| # | Name | Type | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lost Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Graham | WA | 0.8 mi | |
| 2 | Silver Creek | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Puyallup | WA | 2.4 mi | |
| 3 | Gem Heights | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Puyallup | WA | 3.5 mi | |
| 4 | Hawaiian Village | Apartment Complex | Lakewood | WA | 15 mi | |
| 5 | Stadium District | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Tacoma | WA | 16.4 mi | |
| 6 | Clocktower | Neighborhood/Subdivision | DuPont | WA | 17 mi | |
| 7 | North End | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Tacoma | WA | 17.4 mi | |
| 8 | Tahoma Meadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Yelm | WA | 17.7 mi | |
| 9 | westridge apartments | Apartment Complex | Tacoma | WA | 17.9 mi | |
| 10 | Avonlea | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Lacey | WA | 25.8 mi | |
| 11 | Woodsmuir | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Olympia | WA | 26.3 mi | |
| 12 | The Carriages at Fairwood Downs | Apartment Complex | Renton | WA | 27.6 mi | |
| 13 | McCormick Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Port Orchard | WA | 36.1 mi | |
| 14 | The Ridge at McCormick Woods | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Port Orchard | WA | 36.5 mi | |
| 15 | Manette | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 38.6 mi | |
| 16 | Kitsap Lake | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 40.5 mi | |
| 17 | Blueberry Meadows | Neighborhood/Subdivision | Bremerton | WA | 42 mi | |
| 18 | Fairway Lane | Apartment Complex | Bremerton | WA | 42.1 mi |
| # | Name | City | State | Overall Rating | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Black Diamond | Black Diamond | WA | 21.9 mi | |
| 2 | Maple Valley | Maple Valley | WA | 24 mi | |
| 3 | Stonegate | Olympia | WA | 25.7 mi | |
| 4 | Port Orchard | Port Orchard | WA | 37.3 mi | |
| 5 | Downtown Seattle | Seattle | WA | 37.9 mi | |
| 6 | Bainbridge Island | Bainbridge Island | WA | 40.9 mi | |
| 7 | East Bremerton | Bremerton | WA | 42.9 mi |
| Base | Distance |
|---|---|
| McChord AFB | 10.9 mi. |
| Fort Lewis | 13.1 mi. |
| Coast Guard Seattle | 37 mi. |
| Naval Base Kitsap - Bremerton | 38.9 mi. |
| Naval Base Kitsap Bangor | 49.8 mi. |
